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July 28, 2006

Is Wily Mo Sox Biggest Trading Chip?

Jayson Stark's Stark Market:

The Red Sox might lead the league in phone calls this week. But for all the indications that they're trying to do something creative, clubs that have spoken with them say they're not close to anything on any front. Still, they're hunting for a starting pitcher who would allow them to stop counting on Tim Wakefield and David Wells to return to perfect health. And from all accounts, it's the hulking Wily Mo who is most out there for somebody to scarf up.

We've heard the same rumblings that Buster Olney has, about the Sox trying to cook up all sorts of complicated multi-team deals. So we've chased down rumors about Dontrelle Willis, Jake Peavy, Jake Westbrook, Chris Young, Miguel Cabrera, Miguel Batista and all sorts of other fun, but even more far-fetched, names. But they all seem to be nothing more than items you can file under the umbrella of typical pre-deadline brainstorming. We've also heard surprising names off their own roster that are said by various clubs to be available. But we sense no appetite on their part to deal those names -- not unless they're faced with an offer too juicy to turn down.

So check that list of seven available starting pitchers a couple of notches up on this list [Cory Lidle, Livan Hernandez, Rodrigo Lopez, Jon Lieber, Tony Armas Jr., Mark Redman, Ramon Ortiz]. Then look at the photo of the guy pictured with this item and practice waving goodbye -- because, in the words of one front-office man who has spoken with the Red Sox, "I'd be very surprised if Wily Mo Pena is on their team come Monday night."

Earlier this week, Pena acknowledged the rumours, but hopes he stays in Boston:

For the first time, I feel like this is home. ... I want to stay. I like it here. I like the city, the people. The fans love baseball. They get crazy. In that field [Fenway], I love seeing all the people every night. I love the big crowd. I feel good and comfortable here.

Other AL East rumors: The Blue Jays want Julio Lugo but are unwilling to give Tampa two top pitching prospects. ... Similarly, the Yankees would like Bobby Abreu, but will not trade pitching prospect Philip Hughes. ... At Over The Monster, "SweSox" comments on "reports that the sox are talking about a massive three-team deal for dontrelle ... it might be, and in fact seems likely to be, bullshit. if it's not though, i'll throw a happy-fit that lasts a full week."

And speaking of 5th starters, Jason Johnson allowed only two hits in seven shutout innings last night for Pawtucket. In his last two starts (14 innings), Johnson has allowed one run and six hits.

2 comments:

I say: Just say no to trading Willy Mo! I know we haven't seen a lot from the guy, but mark my words, (especially if the Sox trade him away) this guy is going to be a MONSTER a la' Papi in a very short time. He started to show it before his hamate bone went south, but has still managed to post a .317 avg. with 4 homers 38 hits 14 runs and 20 rbi in only 120 at bats. And as far as his right field blunders go, he will be a great outfielder sooner rather than later, he has immense raw natural ability that will only increase his value in the future when he gets more playing time. As for Trot Nixon, I know it's the setimental thing to feel attached to the guy, he's played a long time for us, but even when he was at his hottest this year and hitting like .330, his bat just did not seem very clutch or very hefty for that matter. I really dislike platooning players, it tends to diminish both players contributions, if it were me I shop Trot and see what I could get before I'd let Willy Mo go anywhere.Think about this, we have probably the most feared 3-4 hitters in the game, with Willy Mo, if he is who I believe, we could have the most feared 3-4-5 hitters perhaps of all time.B